If you’ve ever spent time in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, or Morehead City, chances are you’ve heard someone say, “You have to go to K38.” Known for their Baja-style fish tacos, fresh-made salsas, relaxed surf vibe, and deep community roots, K38 Baja Grill has been a coastal staple for more than 30 years, and now, they’re finally bringing that energy to Raleigh.

This expansion isn’t just another restaurant opening. For many North Carolina locals, it feels like a long-awaited homecoming.

I got a chance to interview the team at K38 Baja Grill, and I’m excited to share their story.

What inspired the idea for K38 Baja Grill when you first opened in Wilmington?
Our founder, Josh Vach, graduated from UNCW, where he was on the surf team. An avid surfer, Josh wanted to combine his love for surf culture and his favorite West Coast flavors. In 1993, he moved from Southern California back to Wilmington, determined to bring Mexican-inspired fish tacos to the East Coast.

How did the name K38 come about?
K-38 is a kilometer marker and a famous surf break in Baja California. After college, Josh spent time in Southern California, surfing with friends at that spot and grabbing tacos from roadside stands nearby. The name was a natural fit — it represents where the inspiration began.

What connection do you have to Baja culture and cuisine?
Every K38 location is built around that easygoing coastal vibe. From surf videos playing on the TVs to the fresh ingredients in every dish, the Baja influence runs through everything we do.

What were those early days like — any memorable moments or lessons learned?
Those early days were unforgettable. Josh was a hands-on owner who believed in setting the tone through action. He called his daily visits “making rounds” — rolling silverware, bussing tables, and chatting with guests. He always said, “The best advertisement is word of mouth — and my salsa.” He was right. People still come in saying, “My friend told me this is the best salsa in town.” It’s that mix of humility, hustle, and hospitality that’s carried us through more than 30 years.

Food Philosophy & Menu

How would you describe your food philosophy?
Fresh, coastal cuisine — always. We use the best ingredients available and make our food fresh every single day.

What are the key flavors or ingredients that define K38?
Our house-made sweet and sour mix, fresh corn tortillas, signature salsa, and picante sauce — these are our staples and what guests recognize instantly as “K38.”

Are there dishes that have been on the menu since the beginning?
Absolutely — the Baja Fish Tacos. Josh was one of the first to introduce them to Wilmington, and they’ve been a fan favorite ever since.

Do you partner with any local vendors for ingredients?
We’ve always made it a priority to source local seafood for our coastal locations, and we’ll continue to support local breweries in Raleigh with craft beers on tap and in cans.

What new or standout dishes should Raleigh locals try first?
Start with the Baja Fish Tacos, it’s our signature. Then try the Tower 7 Burrito or one of our sushi-style Rolls. And don’t miss the homemade salsa and guacamole; people have been raving about them for decades.

Culture & Community

What values drive K38 as a team and as a brand?
After 23 years here, I can honestly say we’re a family. I met my husband through K38, and many of my closest friends started as coworkers. We take care of one another — inside and outside of work. That sense of connection shows up in how we treat our guests, too.

What does community mean to you, and how has Wilmington shaped that?
Community means everything. When Josh passed away in 2019, the community came together for a paddle out — a traditional surfer’s memorial where everyone paddles past the break, forms a circle, and shares stories before scattering flowers into the sea. Hundreds showed up to celebrate his life. Hearing how many people he had impacted was incredible. K38 and Tower 7 aren’t just restaurants; they’re places where people connect, grow up, and share milestones.

Many guests describe K38 as more than a restaurant. Why do you think it resonates that way?
Because it’s woven into people’s stories. We’ve been part of Wilmington for more than 30 years. Almost everyone in town has either worked with us or celebrated something special here. That sense of belonging is rare — and we’re proud of it.

How do you create that welcoming, coastal energy that makes people feel at home?
It’s a mix of music, surf videos, and genuine smiles. We greet everyone as soon as they walk in. The vibe should feel like you just walked off the beach and straight into a good time.

The Raleigh Expansion

Why was Raleigh the next location for K38?
Over the years, we’ve heard countless guests say, “We wish you’d open in Raleigh!” Many of our regulars live in or travel from the Triangle, and it just made sense. Raleigh has an energy that fits perfectly with our brand — vibrant, community-minded, and always up for something fresh.

What makes this city and community a good fit for your brand?
So many Raleigh locals have ties to the coast — from Wrightsville Beach to Figure Eight to Morehead City. We’ve met them all over the years, and they’ve been asking for this. We’re thrilled to finally bring that coastal connection inland.

How will the Raleigh location blend your coastal identity with local touches?
We’ll keep our coastal soul — surf culture, laid-back design, and the menu you know — but we’re adding Raleigh touches, like featuring local craft breweries and celebrating the unique art and surf culture that connect North Carolina’s coast and capital.

Any special menu items, design details, or partnerships unique to this location?
The core K38 favorites will remain, but we’ll introduce a few new dishes tailored for Raleigh tastes. Design-wise, it’ll have its own look — still coastal, but with nods to iconic NC beach towns and surfers who inspire us.

What are you most excited for Raleigh guests to experience?
We can’t wait to bring the coast to the Triangle — the warmth, the energy, and the food that defines us. We want Raleigh to feel that same connection our Wilmington community has had for decade.

Final Word: Raleigh, You’re in for Something Special

K38 isn’t just expanding — they’re sharing a piece of who they are.
Their roots. Their culture. Their story.

And if you’ve ever sat at K38, Tower 7, or Tower 7 Morehead… then you already know:

This is going to be the new go-to for coastal-casual food + good energy in Raleigh.

📍 K38 Baja Grill – Raleigh

K38 Seaboard Station
20 Seaboard Ave
Suite B 110
Raleigh, NC

Follow K38 Baja Grill:
Website: https://liveeatsurf.com
Instagram: @k38bajagrill

Follow @TheRaleighLocal for updates + opening week details!

More things to do in Raleigh.